Today we’d like to introduce you to Mila Johnson.
Hi Mila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up with a mother who was a real estate investor has had a profound influence on my career as a real estate investor and realtor. From a young age, I was exposed to the intricacies of the real estate industry and the rewards and challenges of investing in real estate. One of my earliest memories was seeing my mother negotiate the purchase of her first investment property. I remember being amazed at how she was able to secure such a great deal and how excited she was about the potential for profit. As she began to renovate the property and prepare it for rental, I was able to see firsthand the work that goes into making a rental property profitable.
As I grew older, I became increasingly aware of the financial benefits of real estate investing. I witnessed my mother generate passive income through rental properties and how she had the ability to build long-term wealth through strategic investment decisions. Although my mother’s experience as a landlord and real estate investor sparked my interest to pursue my own career in real estate, I decided to explore the short-term rental industry.
Surprisingly, a close friend of mine played a significant role in introducing me to the world of short-term rental properties. Her enthusiasm for Airbnb was infectious, and I could tell that she was genuinely passionate about the opportunities it presented. She shared her own experiences as an Airbnb host and spoke about the many benefits of generating passive income, meeting new people, and having the flexibility to manage her rental on her own terms. As a mother of three children aspiring to live life without external constraints or limitations, I began to see the potential for success in starting a short-term rental property business as well. Over the course of time, my friend provided me with valuable insights and advice on how to get started as an Airbnb host. She shared tips on how to create a welcoming and comfortable space for guests, how to set pricing and manage bookings, and how to handle any issues or concerns that might arise.
Subsequently, in 2018 I took a leap of faith and I started my first short-term vacation rental in Atlanta, Georgia. As a short-term rental owner today, my properties are listed on Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com and I have experienced great success in the industry. My properties consistently receive high ratings and positive reviews from guests, and I have achieved high occupancy rates and strong financial returns. One of the keys to my success as a short-term rental owner has been my focus on creating a unique and memorable guest experience. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with warm welcome and thoughtful touches that make them feel at home.
Over the years, I have shared my experiences and insights with many aspiring investors, offering guidance and support as they take their first steps into the world of real estate investing. Assisting others in building their short-term rental properties was a transformative experience for me, one that ultimately led to my decision to become a realtor. Serving as a resource for many aspiring investors, I discovered a passion for real estate that I hadn’t previously recognized. As I continued to assist others, I realized that the skills and knowledge I had acquired through my experiences as an investor could be applied to a variety of other real estate ventures and that a career as a realtor would allow me to help even more people achieve their goals in obtaining generational wealth.
Today, I am a licensed realtor with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners which has been a significant milestone in my professional journey. Since then, I have had the privilege of assisting numerous clients in achieving their real estate goals. Client satisfaction is at the core of my real estate practice, and receiving positive feedback and testimonials from happy clients is a testament to my dedication. By providing exceptional service, promptly addressing concerns, and maintaining transparent communication throughout the buying or selling process, I have cultivated strong relationships with my clients. Their trust and confidence in my abilities have often led to repeat business and referrals, underscoring my commitment to exceeding their expectations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a real estate investor, realtor, wife, and mom, achieving a healthy work-life balance has been a significant challenge. Managing professional responsibilities with personal obligations can be overwhelming, and often, it feels like there are not enough hours in a day. To overcome these challenges, I’ve learned the importance of self-care, being proactive in managing my time and leveraging my resources.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dedication is an essential quality for success in any profession, but it is particularly critical for me as a realtor and real estate investor. Without a doubt, real estate is a highly competitive and ever-changing industry that demands commitment and perseverance from those who want to succeed.
As a realtor, my work revolves around helping people buy, sell, or rent properties. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a realtor is helping clients find their dream home. This often involves spending time getting to know them and their needs, whether it’s finding a property with a large backyard for their children or a quiet retreat for a retiree. With a clear understanding of what they are looking for, I can then help them navigate the real estate market to find the perfect property. This includes conducting research, analyzing market trends, and visiting properties to determine which ones meet their criteria. Another important aspect of my career as a realtor is helping clients sell their properties. This often involves advising them on how to prepare their home for sale, such as making repairs or renovations and pricing it competitively in the current market. I also use my marketing skills to promote the property and attract potential buyers. Once a buyer has been found, I work closely with both parties to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Throughout the process, strong communication skills are key. I work hard to keep my clients informed and up-to-date every step of the way, whether it’s providing regular updates on the progress of a sale or discussing potential properties with a buyer. I also listen carefully to their feedback and concerns, making sure that their needs are always my top priority.
As a short-term rental property owner, my day-to-day activities vary depending on the season, the occupancy rate, and the specific needs of my guests. However, there are some general tasks that are part of my daily routine such as making sure that the home is well-maintained and in good condition for guests. I work closely with a team of cleaners and maintenance workers to ensure that the property is clean, safe, and welcoming for guests. This includes scheduling regular maintenance checks, cleaning the property before and after each guest’s stay, and making repairs as needed. Another essential part of my job as a short-term rental property owner is marketing. This involves promoting the property to potential guests through various channels, such as social media, Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com. I work hard to showcase the unique features of our properties, such as its location, amenities, and stunning views, to attract potential guests.
Contact Info:
- Email: milajohnson@kw.com
- Website: https://milajohnson.kw.com
- Instagram: soldbymila
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MJohnson.PropertiesCo/
Image Credits
https://lajoyphotography.shootproof.com www.techeanglez.com
